Travel with your private party on this Luxury Tailor Made Journey, departing when you choose and with expert local guides leading the way; you can even customize the itinerary to your interests.

Experience the best of Japan, exploring vibrant Tokyo and traditional Hakone, where you stay at an exclusive ryokan (traditional inn); encounter the legacies of feudal Japan in Takayama and Kanazawa; and discover the delicate beauty of timeless Kyoto.

A&K Advantages

Wander through Ginza, modern Tokyo's famed neon-lit shopping district

Enjoy a night in one of the country's most exclusive ryokans (traditional inns) in Hakone

Stroll through Takayama's well-preserved Old Town, filled with beautiful wooden buildings dating from the Edo period and located in the heart of the scenic Japanese Alps

Immerse yourself in the history and lifestyles of the legendary samurai warriors, with a visit to the Nagamachi Samurai District in Kanazawa

The Peninsula Tokyo

Peter Grill

The Peninsula Tokyo

Spa

The Peninsula Tokyo

Fitness Center

The Peninsula Tokyo

Pool

The Peninsula Tokyo

The Peninsula Boutique & Café

The Peninsula Tokyo

Deluxe Room

TOKYO | THE SHRINE OF MEIJI-JINGU

Meet your private guide and visit the Imperial Palace Plaza, and then stroll the grounds of Meiji-Jingu, the most popular Shinto shrine in Japan. Established in 1920 and dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, the shrine stands surrounded by more than 100,000 trees that have been donated by people from all over Japan. Proceed to Asakusa Kannon Temple, pausing in the tiny shops of Nakamise-dori. The colorful, pagoda-style temple was completed in 645 and is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy in several East Asian spiritual traditions. Next, stop in Ginza for the opportunity to browse its many luxury shops.

The Peninsula Tokyo

The Peninsula Tokyo

The Peninsula Tokyo

Entry

The Peninsula Tokyo

Lobby

The Peninsula Tokyo

Hei Fung Terrace Cantonese Restaurant

The Peninsula Tokyo

Peter Grill

The Peninsula Tokyo

Spa

The Peninsula Tokyo

Fitness Center

The Peninsula Tokyo

Pool

The Peninsula Tokyo

The Peninsula Boutique & Café

The Peninsula Tokyo

Deluxe Room

TOKYO | WONDERFUL NIKKO NATIONAL PARK

The Japanese have a saying: “Don’t say kekko (wonderful) without seeing Nikko.” Today, travel overland to Nikko National Park in the mountains north of Tokyo and discover this lovely region. A blend of man-made and natural beauty, the park features numerous shrines and temples recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the 17th-century Toshogu Shrine with its lavish decorations and magnificent wood carvings. Next, view Kegon Waterfall, a beautiful 300-foot cascade that is the only outlet for scenic Lake Chuzenji. Enjoy vistas of the falls and the lake from several vantage points, before returning to your hotel.

The Peninsula Tokyo

The Peninsula Tokyo

The Peninsula Tokyo

Entry

The Peninsula Tokyo

Lobby

The Peninsula Tokyo

Hei Fung Terrace Cantonese Restaurant

The Peninsula Tokyo

Peter Grill

The Peninsula Tokyo

Spa

The Peninsula Tokyo

Fitness Center

The Peninsula Tokyo

Pool

The Peninsula Tokyo

The Peninsula Boutique & Café

The Peninsula Tokyo

Deluxe Room

HAKONE | STAY AT A TRADITIONAL RYOKAN

Travel to Hakone, among Japan’s most popular hot-spring resorts, and view the forested slopes of Hakone National Park, an area encompassing coastlines, mountains, lakes and more than 1,000 volcanic islands. Embark on a scenic cruise of Lake Ashi, gliding past the wooded mountain slopes that enclose it. Then, board the Komagatake Ropeway and soar through the clouds on this inspiring aerial tramway. Weather permitting, you are treated to spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Stroll the grassy hillsides of Hakone’s Open Air Museum, taking in sculptures and artwork from the likes of Picasso and Henry Moore. Tonight, enjoy unparalleled service and traditional Japanese cuisine at Gôra Kadan, a top-rated ryokan (traditional inn).

Gôra Kadan

Gôra Kadan

Gôra Kadan

Entry

Gôra Kadan

An On-Site Restaurant

Gôra Kadan

Spa

Gôra Kadan

Spa

Gôra Kadan

Standard A Room

Gôra Kadan

Standard A Room

Gôra Kadan

Standard D Room

Gôra Kadan

Standard D Room

TAKAYAMA | BULLET TRAIN RIDE & OLD TOWN

This morning, travel like a local by rail to Takayama, changing trains en route in Nagoya. For the first leg of your journey, you are whisked at speeds of up to 175 miles per hour on a bullet train, while the second leg is a scenic delight, following a series of gorges as it travels deep into the mountains. Upon arrival in Takayama, visit the Takayama Float Festival Exhibition Hall to view the city’s portable parade shrines; the Folkcraft Museum; and the city’s Old Town, where you stroll streets and buildings preserved from Japan’s prosperous Edo period (1600-1868). Later, check in to your accommodations offering magnificent views of the Northern Japanese Alps.

Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

Lobby

Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

Restaurant Rosiere

Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

Hot Spring

Hotel Associa Takayama Resort

Standard Twin Room

TAKAYAMA & SHIRAKAWAGO | MORNING MARKETS VISIT

Stroll with your private guide through Takayama’s Morning Market, for an engaging look at everyday life in Japan. Next, drive to Shirakawago to explore its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gassho-Zukuri Minkaen — a well-preserved village of traditional thatched-roof, A-frame “praying hands” style buildings, including houses, barns, mills and a Shinto shrine. Also visit the Edo-period Wada Family Residence, and then survey the ruins of the 700-year-old Ogimachi Castle. Continue to Kanazawa, where you check in to your hotel.

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Lobby

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Japanese Restaurant Benkay

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

European Cuisine La PLAGE

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Teppanyaki Restaurant

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Main Bar

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Sky Lounge

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Deluxe Room

KANAZAWA | LIFE OF THE SAMURAI

Start your day with a visit to Omicho Market, the largest fresh food market in Kanazawa, specializing in local seafood and produce. Then, view the authentic period artifacts on display at the Nagamachi Samurai Residence, a home restored to reflect the lifestyle of Japan’s legendary warrior class. Proceed to the sublime Kenrokuen Garden, which dates to the 17th century. Walk its quiet paths, cross its delicately arched bridges and enjoy its tranquil waterways. Then, contrast past with present when you tour the 21st Century Contemporary Art Museum, viewing eclectic displays by international and Japanese artists that seek to connect people with art and design from many facets of modern life.

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Lobby

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Japanese Restaurant Benkay

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

European Cuisine La PLAGE

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Teppanyaki Restaurant

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Main Bar

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Sky Lounge

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Deluxe Room

KYOTO | CITY OF CULTURAL TREASURES

Travel by limited express train to Kyoto this morning. Upon arrival in Kyoto, set out with your private guide, first visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine, situated at the base of the mountain of the same name, and see many sculptural depictions on site of kitusune (foxes), considered spiritual messengers and worshipped in the Shinto religion. Next, proceed to Kyoto’s sake district to tour a sake brewery and sample the elixir brewed using the clean, soft water drawn up from underground springs. After a relaxing time, check in to your luxurious hotel.

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Lobby Lounge

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

La Locanda Restaurant

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Deluxe Room

NARA | JAPAN’S SPIRITUAL HERITAGE

Begin your day with a visit to Nara, where Japan’s first permanent capital was established in 710. Tour Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most historically significant Buddhist temples in Japan. Enter its spacious main hall to behold the Daibutsu — the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world. Stroll the grounds of Nara Park, which surround the temple, watching for the deer that roam free there. Next, visit Kasuga Shrine, a renowned Shinto shrine noted for its architecture and the distinctive style of its hanging lamps. Proceed to Kiyomizu Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating to 780. Enjoy vistas from the main hall, looking out from its mountain cliff-side perch, and visit the smaller shrines and temples on site, stopping at one to take part in a traditional tea ceremony.

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Lobby Lounge

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

La Locanda Restaurant

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Deluxe Room

KYOTO | THE GOLDEN PAVILION & BAMBOO GROVE

Today, discover the glittering Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), covered with gold leaf, surrounded by finely manicured green gardens and set on a lovely, tranquil pond. Later, explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a lush oasis home to monkeys and towering stalks of bamboo. Bask in the magical atmosphere here, peacefully walking a winding path, as sunlight filters down through bamboo gently swaying in the breeze. Later, visit Togetsu Bridge, a picturesque span in keeping with the Japanese aesthetic. Then, stop by the centuries-old Nishiki Market, strolling its five-block-long stretch of shops and restaurants frequented by locals and visitors alike.

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Lobby Lounge

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

La Locanda Restaurant

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

Deluxe Room

DEPART OSAKA

After breakfast, transfer to Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport, both located just outside of Osaka, for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Enhance Your Journey

Elevate your experience with a host of options available for an additional cost.

Take in Kyoto’s Rural Scenery

Venture northward aboard the Sagano Scenic Railway, disembarking in mountain-flanked Arashiyama to glimpse one of Kyoto’s few remaining rural enclaves. Take in serene temples, thatched minka (folk houses) and the elegant span of Togetsukyo Bridge, exploring further with a rickshaw ride through a bamboo grove. Later, return to Kyoto for a lesson in making local sweets, a fitting conclusion to a delightful day.

Enjoy a Family-Friendly Day of Cultural Exploration

Begin with a lesson in playing traditional wadaiko (Japanese drums) as part of a Taiko drum experience. Continue to the Samurai Museum to learn about the customs of this elite-warrior class while viewing samurai swords, armor and weaponry. Then, head to the top of the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest broadcast tower in the world. Finally, explore the Akihabara district, a center for Japanese youth culture abuzz with anime and electronic shops.

Your Journey

Your Journey

Priced from $22,995

Prices are per person, double occupancy for the itinerary as published for 2018 travel. Supplements may apply over holidays, festivals and special events. Subject to availability. International air not included.

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Deposit & Cancellation

Payment Schedule
Deposit Per Person at Time of Booking:25% of the program price (full-payment if within 120 days of departure)
Final Payment Due:120 days prior to departure

Cancellation Fees Per Person – Main Journeys
121 days prior to departure or more:10% of the program price / $2,500 per person maximum
120-91 days prior to departure:20% of program price
90-61 days prior to departure:50% of program price
60 days prior to departure or less:100% of the program price

Cancellations must be received in writing. Additional cancellation penalties may apply to planes, vessels and trains including private charters; exclusive private use of accommodations or venues; and groups of 15 or more.